Learning through life has been practiced by human beings since ancient times, but it is the accelerating rate of the development of science and technologies that has made it an integral part of people’s lives. Digital technologies are an enabler and facilitator of lifelong learning. Online teaching and learning platforms and open education resources are providing multiple opportunities for anyone with a need to learn to acquire knowledge and skills in convenient ways. However, the application of digital technologies is not without obstacles. This article reviews the concept of lifelong learning, and discusses the element of flexibility that is inherent in all aspects of lifelong learning. It proceeds with how digital technologies can support lifelong learning in this sense (flexibility of entry and exit points, age, modality, subject matter and so on) and what the obstacles are in applying technologies to lifelong learning (potential isolation, decreased social interaction and others, and it finally makes recommendations on how to make the best use of web-based learning for all for a balance in its use.
Loading...
Reload document 
Open in new tab 
